Pontypridd FC Reserves suffered back to back defeats in the Taff Ely Rhymney Valley League Division One with a 3-0 reverse at Penybryn Field versus Gelligaer. However, it was a much more competitive display than last Saturday’s heavy defeat at Aber Valley with the side once again showing a determination to play for the entire 90 minutes.
The Starting XI included a senior club debut for Joe Thomas, a recent signing from Church Village. Thomas’ quality and vision means he is already pushing for a first team place despite only joining the club a couple of weeks ago. Cameron Curry also made his competitive debut and Connor Bickford was named in a league squad for the first time in three years following injury and the Coronavirus pandemic.
In an even contest, two first-half free kicks gave Gelligaer the advantage on the scoreboard, while at the other end Elis Hughes and Jack Watkins couldn’t convert chances to put the visitors on the board. A third Gelligaer goal in the last ten minutes was harsh on the Ponty players.
The main downside for Ponty was a red card for stand-in keeper Ciprian Sava in the closing stages for a quick double booking. A blemish on another otherwise good display from the stopper.
FULL-TIME | Gelligaer 3-0 Pontypridd Reserves
Pontypridd FC Reserves: Ciprian Sava [gk], Cameron Curry, Jamie Kendall, Jake Swainston, Darren Davies [c], Liam Griffiths, Connor Bickford, Joe Thomas, Josh Jones (Brendan Payne 57), Elis Hughes, Jack Watkins (Ryan Mehenni 65)
Sub not used: Karwan Jawad
Red Card: Ciprian Sava (83, two yellows)
Yellow Card: Cameron Curry
MOTM: Darren Davies
Referee: W. Morgan
Photo courtesy of Marie Ward. Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
